Log In to CK+

Being selective with your CV

If you are searching for a new engineering job or just would like to update your CV, here are some useful tips:

When you’re writing your CV, you need to be picky with what you include. As an avid reader of the CK blogs (that you surely are by now), you are undoubtedly aware of the need to tailor your CV for each application. Amending your skills and experiences for each application is all well and good, but what exactly should be included? Well fear not, intrepid engineering candidate, CK is here to help!

First things first: hesitancy. If your CV or application gives off a whiff of hesitancy, then you’re not going to get anywhere. Even if you’re not 100% sure you want to focus your career on developing lean processes for chemical manufacturing or fault finding and maintenance of electro-mechanical systems, don’t say that!

It might sound obvious, but a lack of enthusiasm in your application is going to ensure that you’re never going to get the job. Swap around your experience in a way that works for each job and make it clear why the company appeals to you (without mentioning wages or bonuses).

You need to convey confidence. Do not undersell yourself! If you’re not entirely confident about an aspect of the role, focus on other areas where you can demonstrate how your skills and qualifications are relevant and suitable. You can easily find ways to fit your abilities into the job specification with the close reading of the information given in the job posting.

Don’t include personal issues such as timekeeping or a clash of personalities at a previous job. Make sure you’re showing yourself in a good light. There’s no need to shoot yourself in the foot by bad mouthing someone on your CV. If you come across badly on paper, you’ll never have a chance for that job, no matter how wonderful you actually are.

Academically, focus on your successes. There is no need to write about the module you failed if it had no real impact on your final results. If you have vocational or professional qualifications, make sure they’re obvious to the person looking at your CV. Again, highlight relevant strengths and successes, not where you struggled.

It is important that your CV isn’t just everything you’ve ever done. Make sure you keep it succinct, keep it focused and keep it enthusiastic. By doing this you will be able to hold the attention of those in charge of the hiring process.